By Opeyemi Adelakun
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesman and Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his spokesperson for the 2027 presidential election campaign.
The appointment was conveyed in a letter dated July 2, following Atiku’s emergence as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
According to the letter, Atiku said the appointment was based on his confidence in Okonkwo’s competence, integrity, communication skills and political judgment.
He noted that Okonkwo would be responsible for professionally representing his public positions and advancing the campaign’s engagement with Nigerians.
“I am pleased to offer you an appointment as my Spokesperson for the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, following my victory as the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” the letter stated.
Responding to the appointment, Okonkwo thanked Atiku for the confidence reposed in him, describing the decision as evidence of the former vice president’s democratic credentials.
“I give God all the glory to be appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his spokesperson. I thank His Excellency for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he said.
Okonkwo added that Atiku’s leadership style prioritises dialogue and compromise instead of taking offence at differing opinions, saying this approach promotes lasting solutions to political disagreements.
He also disclosed that discussions with Atiku and other ADC leaders had addressed concerns relating to the interests of the South-East within the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and prevailing political realities.
The former Labour Party chieftain expressed appreciation to former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Ekene Onwuka, for their roles in the coalition and his appointment.
He further sought prayers for wisdom, courage and strength to effectively discharge his responsibilities as campaign spokesman.
Okonkwo previously served as spokesperson for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election before parting ways with the former Labour Party candidate.
Atiku is seeking Nigeria’s presidency for the seventh time and will contest the 2027 election on the platform of the ADC. His previous appearances on the presidential ballot were in 2007, 2019 and 2023.
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